MANSFIELD, Ohio – The tallest building in Mansfield sits in limbo after its anchor tenant vacated the premises last fall.
Commonly known as the Chase Tower, the 157-foot tall building needs a new name after its namesake, Chase Bank, moved out in October. Building owner Kurt Stimens said Chase was the latest in the long history of banks housed at 28 Park Avenue West.
“There’s been a bank in operation here since 1928,” said Stimens, who purchased the building in 2011. “Chase bought out Bank One which was here, and Bank One had previously bought out Farmer’s Bank, which is the one that built this place.”
According to Stimens, Farmer’s Bank began construction in 1928 and officially opened in 1929. He noted a church was demolished to make room for the tower, and paneling from the church was installed in a room on the building’s 11th floor.
The Chase Tower has 12 floors housing approximately 20 tenants. Stimens has room for another 20 tenants in the tower, but leasing space in the downtown building has proven to difficult.
“One of the problems is some people don’t like that you have to park across the street, cross four lanes of traffic and then ride the elevator to get to their office,” Stimens said. “And I’ve talked to a few local banks, but none seem to be interested because there is no drive-thru banking.”
Still, Stimens believes the benefits of the Chase Tower location outweigh the drawbacks. The office suites are consistently remodeled with fresh paint and carpets in hopes of attracting new tenants.
Stimens noted the cost of rent is also reasonable, with all utilities included. Price depends on suite size, and rates range from $250 to $6,000.
Above all, however, the biggest attraction for tenants is the prestige of being located in the most prominent building for miles.
“It’s an address of distinction,” Stimens said. “If you tell people to come to your office, just tell them to look for the tallest building in downtown Mansfield.”
The structure has the potential to become even more of a distinction with a new name. Stimens has received multiple messages from community members suggesting new names for the building, including the Leland building in homage to the Leland hotel, the Buckeye building, and the Park building due to the tower’s address.
“My idea was to label the building ‘Mansfield’ for the city, and for the civic pride we all feel,” said Stimens, who brought his idea to Mansfield Mayor Tim Theaker. “The mayor said it was a good idea but the city doesn’t have money in their budget for it; he said maybe some philanthropists would come through on that cause.”
So for now, the tower will remain nameless until Stimens finds another anchor tenant – whether a bank, or a creative use of the 9,000 square-foot space where the bank was located. Stimens said Chase Bank has four more years on its lease, but both he and the bank are highly motivated to fill the empty space.
“I hope somebody comes soon, I don’t want to wait four years,” Stimens said. “I would rather have lights on and heartbeats in there; right now it’s as quiet as a mausoleum.”
